Fijian rainbow sardine
📖 Overview
Fijian rainbow sardine (Dussumieria chimaera) is a ray-finned fish of the family Dussumieriidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in pelagic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 11.3 cm. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 17; Anal soft rays: 12 - 14; Vertebrae: 55 - 56. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: (first gill arch Upper/Lower Gill Rakers and Total) 1UGR 13-16 (modally 14), 1LGR 28-30 (29), 1TGR 42-45 (42); (second gill arch) 2UGR 10 or 11 (11), 2LGR 24-26 (25), 2TGR 34-37 (35); (third gill arch) 3UGR 8-10 (9), 3LGR 16-18 (17), 3TGR 24-27 (27); (fourth gill arch) 4UGR 4 or 5 (5), 4 LGR 10 or 11 (11), 4TGR 14-16 (16); branchiostegal rays 13-15 (14); scale rows in longitudinal series 52-55 (53); vertebrae 55 or 56 (56); pseudobranchial filaments 18-21 (18); lateral scales no posterior striae; melanophores scattered on first to fourth uppermost pectoral-fin rays; parasphenoid and vomer toothless; each palatine with 1 or 2 rows of conical teeth, small conical teeth distributed sparsely on pterygoids; body deep, its depth 22.1-23.8% (mean 22.8%) of SL; pre-dorsal-fin length 54.5-56.0% of SL; pre-pelvic-fin length 58.4-60.9% of SL; dorsal-fin base long, 14.0-15.6% of SL; caudal peduncle is deep 8.8-9.6% of SL; (distance from dorsal-fin origin to pectoral-fin insertion) D-P1 32.9-34.9% of SL; (distance from dorsal-fin origin to pelvic-fin insertion) D-P2 21.8-23.7% of SL; (distance between dorsal- and anal-fin origins) D-A 31.9-33.7% of SL; (distance between pectoral- and pelvic-fin insertions) P1-P2 31.5-33.7% of SL; (distance from pelvic-fin insertion to anal-fin origin) P2-A 20.1-21.8% of SL; pectoral fin 15.1-16.4% of SL; pelvic fin is long, 10.2-11.0% of SL; pelvic-fin insertion is just below origin of 9th to 12th dorsal-fin ray; maxilla 8.3-9.1% of SL; lower jaw is short, 12.7-13.6% of SL .Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Fijian rainbow sardine is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-neritic. Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Dussumieria Chimaera is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Fijian rainbow sardine is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Fijian rainbow sardine has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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